Former Duke basketball star Jon Scheyer joins Maccabi Tel-Aviv

Former Duke University standout, Jon Scheyer, has signed to play with Israeli powerhouse Maccabi Tel-Aviv. Scheyer, who led the Blue Devils to an NCAA title in 2010, played most recently for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Developmental League.

Maccabi Tel-Aviv, which is rich with tradition within Israel and Euroleague play, signed Scheyer to a two year deal worth a reported $450,000. According to David Blatt, head coach of Maccabi Tel-Aviv, ‘Scheyer is a very talented and smart player, a true winner.” The news of Scheyer coming to Maccabi not only put a smile on Blatt’s face but also on Scheyer’s. In a recent statement Jon said, “I am really excited to take the next step in my basketball career and go play for Maccabi Tel Aviv, I am looking forward to the opportunity to play for a team with such great tradition.”

The basketball career of Jon Scheyer is one filled with championships. When Scheyer was a junior in high school he won a state championship with Glenbrook North, in Illinois. Glenbrook North is the only known public high school to win a state title with five starting Jewish players. After his storied career in high school which included being named a Parade All American and Mr. Basketball of Illinois. Scheyer went on to play for the Atlantic Coast Conference perennial power Duke University.

Scheyer’s career at Duke was capped off his senior year with an NCAA Championship win over The Butler Bulldogs, where he was named to the all tournament team. The two-time team captain of the Blue Devils played in 40 games his senior year averaging 18.2 points per game and was named first team all ACC.

Upon completion of his senior year there was much speculation about whether or not Jon Scheyer was ready for the NBA. Scheyer was not selected in the NBA draft in 2010. Determined to play beyond college, Scheyer showcased his talents for NBA scouts while playing for the Miami Heat Summer League team. In the second game for the Heat, Scheyer suffered an eye injury that would sideline him for the rest of the summer. After recovering from his injury, Scheyer did accept an invitation to the Los Angeles Clippers training camp. He was waived by the clippers in early October of 2010. For the next five months Scheyer took time off to ensure that his eye was fully healed. In February 2011, Scheyer joined the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Developmental League.

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